Posts Tagged ‘petroleum’

What are the differences between petroleum-based, soy-based and water based printing inks in terms of their impact on the environment? Furthermore, does the use of a soy-based ink pose any negative environmental impacts comparable to those of petroleum-based inks?

Economic environmentalism – the idea that the economy SHOULD grow to the point of maximum benefit, and stabilize there. Beyond that point, economic growth is as dangerous as cancer. Think of a reef’s ecology. They survive unchanging for centuries with no ill effects. Can’t we do the same?
Aw, come on, people, it’s not THAT hard! Just start naming useful steps, like replacing petroleum powered cars with _______!

The "Cash for Clunkers" program ended this week but reportedly consumers bought almost 700,000 new vehicles. DO you think this program truly replaced gas-guzzlers with vehicles that are that much more petroleum saving? Do you think the government truly had the environment and climate in mind or do you think this was just another form of bail-out for car manufacturers?

Start from here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7734998370503499886&q=penn+teller+duration%3Along+recycling

Wouldn’t it be great to have confidence in Recycling again?

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So in a practical sense, under what circumstances is Recyling OF PAPER OR PLASTIC worthwhile?
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By "worthwhile" I mean economically viable, environmentally favorable in the short/medium/long term, and/or beneficial to people/animals. Any statements declaring a positive should take into account its tradeoffs (eg. recycling of plastic saves petroleum, but is that worth the chemical byproducts and energy cost associated with recyling it?). Social arguments along the lines of "it increases awareness of environmental issues" are probably not sufficient since the URL above shows that we can all be aware without necessarily being informed or correct.

Answers focusing on the United States (or even urban California, where I live) are great!

Responses based mostly on opinion or conjecture are discouraged.